This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Richard Evans’ worldwide bestseller The Christmas Box inspired a real-life mission to help children facing abuse, neglect, trafficking or homelessness here in Utah. Celeste Edmunds, a survivor and now Executive Director, joins us to share how this vision became a reality.
Celeste Edmunds:
After achieving national acclaim as a best-selling author, Richard Paul Evans and his wife Keri felt a deep calling to give back.
Nearly three decades ago, a child welfare conference in Utah posed a vital question: What is the most impactful way to help Utah’s at-risk children?
The answer: Creating a safe haven for children escaping abuse, neglect, trafficking or homelessness, which led us to the founding of The Christmas Box International.
Thanks to community support and the Evans family’s dedication, three Christmas Box Houses were established in Moab, Salt Lake and Ogden. These homes provide emergency care for nearly 1,000 children each year. Beyond shelter care, the Christmas Box International distributes 800,000 dollars in essential items each year, supporting Utah’s most vulnerable children through partnerships with Salt Lake County Youth Services and the Department of Health and Human Services.
With 23 resource rooms statewide, The Christmas Box International ensures children transitioning to new placements have critical items, including seasonal essentials.
Derek Miller:
Over 1,200 volunteers join The Christmas Box International annually to support their mission that every child deserves a childhood. To learn more or donate funds or items from their wish list, visit TheChristmasBox.org. I’m Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business.
